Thank you for volunteering to coach Intramural
Soccer in the Medway Youth Soccer program. This handout is intended
to educate new and returning coaches on the rules for the 6 v 6
Intramural Soccer format.

Field & Equipment Size

Field: 60 x 40 yards, Ball: Size 4, Goals: approx 6’ x
12’

Format

Each team should have
6 players on the field at one time, consisting of 5 players and a
goalie. Teams typically play a 2-1-2 format (2 defenders, 1
midfielder, 2 forwards) along with a goalie. Throughout the season,
all players should be encouraged to play all positions,
including goalie. All players should play equally.
Rotation sheets or pre-set lineups are recommended to ensure players
receive equal playing time.

Duration

(4) 12-minute quarters
will be played, running time. There will be a two minute break
between quarters 1 and 2, and between quarters 3 and 4. There will
be a 5 minute break for halftime.

Substitutions

All
children should play equally. Substitutions are allowed at the
following times:

At
the start of each quarter/half

On
any throw-in (coaches should notify referee, who will allow the
subs)

On
any goal kick (coaches should notify referee, who will allow the
subs)

On
any goal scored

The above is the
preferred substitution method. By mutual agreement of the two
opposing coaches, an alternative substitution scheme may be used as
follows (please note that substitutions should be allowed per
either the above or the below, not both):

At the start of each quarter and halfway through each
quarter, at or about the six minute mark. If this option is
elected, the coaches should notify the referee before the
game starts to stop play at a natural break (throw-in, goal
kick, etc) to allow for substitution and then restart the
game.

Role of the Coaches

Head Coaches should be
on the same sidelines with their team during the game. Assistant
Coaches should stay with the players on the sidelines that are not
currently on the field. Coaches should ensure proper rotations and
equal playing time. Coaches should make player substitutions during
the game at the designated times.

Before, during and
after the game, be an example of dignity, patience and positive
spirit. Coaches are responsible for the sportsmanship of their
players and the conduct of the parents of players. Parents should
view the game from the opposite sideline of the players.

Coaches should not
address the referee during the game.

Referees

A referee is assigned
to each game by the referee coordinator. If for some reason a
referee does not show up at the game, coaches will then serve as
referee to ensure that the game starts and ends on time.

Start and End Times

Please start and end
all games on time. If players are late or missing, opposing coaches
may mutually agree to play 5 v 5, or to “loan” players from one team
to another. Please do not recruit Intramural players from other
teams, or older or younger siblings.

It is the coaches’
responsibility to field a team by game time. If a coach chooses to
delay the start of the game to wait for additional players, the
referee will shorten the game time to ensure the game ends on time.

Basic Rules of the 6 v 6 Game

No offsides, however coaches should ensure
two-way play from all players, i.e. no “goal-hanging”

When the ball goes out of bounds over the
sideline (touchline), it is put back in play by a throw-in from
the spot it went out of bounds. A throw-in cannot go directly
into the goal.

When the ball goes over the end line, it is
put back into play by either a goal kick or a corner kick. This
is the decision of the referee and is based upon which team last
touched the ball.

Goal kicks shall be taken from within
six yards of the goal line. The team not in possession shall
withdraw to its defensive half of the field and may not
enter its offensive half of the field until the ball is
played. Should the team in possession put the ball in play
before the opposing players have taken position in their
defensive half, play will continue.

After a goal has been scored, play shall
begin by a restart at mid-field.

Players can score from anywhere on the
field.

No slide tackles are allowed.

No penalty kicks are allowed.

Players should not kick at the ball, once
the goalie is in possession of the ball. For safety reasons, the
referee will give the goalie the benefit of the doubt on
possession.

Goalies should wear a different colored
shirt when in net.

Goalies cannot directly kick or throw the
ball over mid-field line in the air.

A foul will be whistled by the referee if a
player trips, pushes or impedes an opposing player without
contacting the ball first. The team which has been fouled then
receives a free kick from the spot of the foul. All free kicks
will be indirect kicks, there are no direct kicks at this level.

If the referee stops play due to injury or
some other interruption, play will be resumed by either a free
kick based on possession, or by a dropped ball.

Rough play will be whistled as a foul by
the referee. If a player is deemed to display intent to injure,
the referee may eject that player or give the coach a warning.
If a player engages in taunting or trash-talking on the field or
the sidelines, the referee may eject that player or give the
coach a warning. Referees will note warnings or ejections in
their game report, which will be passed on to the League
Director.

Sportsmanship

All
players and all coaches should shake hands at the end of the game.
Coaches and players should thank the referee at the end of the game.

Score

The
referee keeps and maintains the game score. No records, standings
or stats are kept.